Optical crossconnects for high‐capacity lightwave networks

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lin, L.Y.^; | Goldstein, E.L. | Lunardi, L.M. | Tkach, R.W.

Affiliations: AT&T Labs‐Research, 100 Schulz Drive, Red Bank, NJ 07701, USA Tel.: +1 732 345 3249; Fax: +1 732 345 3037; E‐mail: lylin@research.att.com

Note: [] Corresponding author.

Abstract: Optical crossconnects are rapidly emerging as critical elements for provisioning and restoration in high‐capacity wavelength‐division‐multiplexed optical networks. High port count appears to be emerging as particularly important in this core‐network application, with 500‐port optical crossconnects (OXC’s) widely expected to be needed within about five years. This requirement severely strains current optical‐switching technologies. The emergence of this new application is, however, beginning to stimulate new device technologies. One of these is the free‐space micromachined optical switch (FS‐MOS). This approach combines the advantages of free‐space interconnection and monolithic integrated optics, thus offering the possibility of achieving high port‐count in a small, low‐cost system with excellent optical quality. In this paper, we review the fundamental principles, fabrication, and performance of the FS‐MOS, and discuss both its port‐count scalability and its ability to incorporate advanced optical‐networking functionality within the switch fabric itself.

Journal: Journal of High Speed Networks, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 17-34, 1999